Contraception

There are many options for contraception available in the UK. You can find out more about these at the fpa website.

All of the GPs can give advice about the different contraceptives and prescribe contraceptive pills and injections. Drs Cornell, Arnold, Beswick and McKelvie are all female doctors with an up to date extra qualification in sexual and reproductive health. Sister Hanna Smith has a special interest in sexual health and contraception and has completed extra training in this area.

Intrauterine devices or 'Coils'

Dr Cornell and Nurse Hanna Smith are both trained in the fitting and removal of intrauterine coils. If you wish to have a coil fitted, please arrange a telephone or face to face consultation with one of them to discuss this further and arrange an appointment for insertion.

Implants

Dr Cornell, Sister Ruth Varley and Nurse Hanna Smith are trained in the fitting and removal of contraceptive implants. Please phone or ask at reception for an appointment for an implant assessment where they will counsel you further and arrange an appointment for insertion.

Pill checks

Once you are established on a pill, you will be asked to attend at least annually for a pill review which involves checking your blood pressure and reviewing your health to ensure that the pill continues to be the best option for you. All our nurses are able to do these checks for you.

Contraception injections

The depo-provera contraceptive injection is given every 12 weeks. If you have not previously had this form of contraception from us, we ask that you make an appointment with a doctor or Sister Hanna Smith to start it. Our nursing staff are able to give all subsequent injections. The person who gives you the injection will give you a date for your next injection and it is important you record this and make your appointment in advance to prevent a risk of pregnancy.

Emergency contraception

Emergency hormonal contraception is a pill taken after unprotected sexual intercourse or contraceptive failure (split condom or missed pills due to vomiting or forgetfulness) where there is a worry about unwanted pregnancy. The 'morning after pill' as it is sometimes called, can actually be taken up to 72 hours after intercourse, although it is most effective if taken as soon as possible after intercourse. A coil is also an option up to 5 days after the unprotected sexual intercourse.

All doctors and nurses at the practice can assess your need for emergency contraception and prescribe for you if necessary. We can also arrange for you to have an emergency coil fitted if this is your preferred option. Please ask for an emergency appointment, and ask to have an appointment with the duty doctor if no appointments are available with your own doctor. You do not have to give details of why you need an appointment.

You can also obtain emergency contraception from most pharmacies, all sexual health clinics, the out of hours service via 111 and the walk in centre in Reading.

Sexual Health Clinics in Oxfordshire and Reading

Contraception services as well as screening and treatment for sexually transmitted infections are also available in Reading and Oxford.

Chlamydia testing

If you are aged between 16 and 24 you can have a free self administered test for chlamydia. Please ask your doctor or nurse for details or ask at reception. The test is a self taken sample. For men this is a urine sample and for women, a self taken vaginal swab.

The kits are discreetly wrapped and fit through a standard letter box. You return the test by FREEPOST and receive the confidential result by text message. If you need treatment, this is provided free of charge.